Banderas Bay Anniversary Celebrations, History, & Hotspots

You may have heard the expression, “There’s always a fiesta somewhere in Mexico.” Well, it’s true, & one of the liveliest in Riviera Nayarit is the 27th anniversary of Banderas Bay on December 11th. To celebrate, head to any coastal city north of PV.

Dance Your Way Through Banderas Bay Anniversary Festivities

When:

December 11th

The municipality that Riviera Nayarit calls home celebrates its 27th birthday this month. On Sunday, December 11th, the anniversary of Banderas Bay inspires countless fiestas, festivals, street parties, and parades across the region. Pretty much any city or village you’re in – from Lo de Marcos to Nuevo Vallarta – is sure to be honoring the holiday in their own special way.

Also Known as Bahía de Banderas

Literally translated as the “Bay of Flags,” Bahía de Banderas is actually much more than a municipality – it’s one of the most magnificent places in all of Mexico. Geographically speaking, the world-famous bay stretches from Punta Mita in the north to Cabo Corrientes in the south, including the coastlines of two Mexican states: Nayarit and Jalisco. It’s the former that houses the municipality of Banderas Bay.

Where to Celebrate the Holiday

Because the region and municipality share a name but very different borders, it can be tricky to find the best opportunities to party with the locals. Some of the best places in past years include the bohemian streets of Sayulita, surfer’s haven of San Pancho (San Francisco), historic Cruz de Huanacaxtle, artistic Bucerias, sleepy Lo de Marcos, and Puerto Vallarta’s northern neighbor, Nuevo Vallarta.

A Few Facts & Historic Notes

The “Bay of Flags” derives its name from the fact that when the Spanish arrived in the early 1500s, the indigenous people of the area carried all sorts of flags and banners into battle. Over the next several centuries, the bright blue waters served as a stopping point for explorers and pirates, as industries of mining and agriculture took root. It wasn’t until John Huston, Elizabeth Taylor, and Richard Burton filmed Night of the Iguana here in 1963 that vacationers around the world began dreaming about Banderas Bay.